Integrated drip proof stopper system

Abstract

An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper System for wine and other liquid-containing bottles is installed during the manufacture of the bottle. The Integrated drip Proof Stopper System contains a shrink-wrap shell disposed about the throat of the bottle. The shrink-wrap shell has an opening strip that separates a shrink-wrap shell extension from a lower portion of the shrink-wrap shell. When pulled, the strip exposes an absorbent pad that is adhesively bonded to the bottom portion of the shrink-wrap shell. The absorbent pad captures drips that occur when wine or liquid is poured from the bottle, preventing damage to tablecloths or tabletops on which the bottle is placed. The upper portion of the absorbent pad has a plurality of slits and teeth forming a teeth-like structure adapted for expansion by the user to increase drip capture efficiency.

1. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system comprising:
 a. a shrink-wrap shell comprising a shrink-wrap shell extension and a lower portion, said shrink wrap shell forming a closure cap attached to a neck of a bottle; 
 b. an absorbent pad located underneath said shrink-wrap shell, said adsorbent pad including an upper portion and a lower portion; 
 c. said upper portion of said absorbent pad comprising a plurality of slits and teeth; 
 d. each tooth of said plurality of teeth being scored to allow the teeth to remain bent after the teeth are pushed outward away from said bottle's neck; and 
 e. an opening component for removing said shrink-wrap shell extension to expose said absorbent pad. 
 
     
     
       2. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said absorbent pad is composed of blotting paper. 
     
     
       3. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said absorbent pad is composed of felt. 
     
     
       4. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said upper portion of absorbent pad has slits cut to a height of ¼ inch spaced ¼ inch apart. 
     
     
       5. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said absorbent pad is composed of chamois. 
     
     
       6. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said absorbent pad is 1¼ inches in height and 3¾ inches in width. 
     
     
       7. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said lower part of the absorbent pad is comprised of a bonded region, said bonded region forming an attachment with said lower portion of the shrink-wrap shell. 
     
     
       8. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said bonded region of said lower portion of the absorbent pad is approximately ¼ inch in height. 
     
     
       9. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said bonded region is attached to the shrink-wrap shell by a polymeric adhesive. 
     
     
       10. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said shrink-wrap shell is composed of aluminum foil tape with adhesive backing. 
     
     
       11. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said shrink-wrap shell is 2½ inches in height and 3¾ inches in width. 
     
     
       12. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said opening component is a tab connected to a strip that is pulled by a user to remove the shrink-wrap shell extension. 
     
     
       13. An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper system as recited by  claim 1 , wherein said opening component comprises a strip, the outer portion of which extends to a point of protrusion beyond an edge of the shrink-wrap shell, said strip being pulled by a user to remove the shrink-wrap shell extension.